Baby Reads | Kids Book Critic

Babies are born ready to learn. Their brains are bursting with neurons just itching to make connections — connections that may last a lifetime. These connections are made as babies experience everyday life — including through the words, interaction and bonding provided by their parents. In very simple terms, words, words and more words help babies succeed.  Getting those neurons going can be as easy as talking to a baby about what you're doing as your doing it. With my oldest, I used to lay her on the changing table, smile at her and ask, "Are you extraordinary?" She would smile, sometimes coo and wave her hands.

To encourage parents to read to infants early and often in this area, the Omaha Public Library started Baby Reads, a program that puts kids books and information about early literacy in the hands of parents literally from day one.

Around 13,000 Baby Reads packets are distributed to seven Metro Area hospitals each year. New parents receive a free book, another book of rhymes, brochures, developmental information and information on how to sign-up for a Omaha Public Library card. Those who sign-up for the card receive a second free book and access to  Baby Reads kits available for check-out. The kits include yet another board book, lullaby music, a DVD, a book about reading aloud and tips on reading to kids.

Baby Reads started seven years ago as part of a goal to include literacy as a building block for life, OPL spokesperson Emily Getzchman said. "Research shows that reading at an early age contributes significantly to a child's development and that having books in the home makes you a better reader," she said. That makes this program a no-brainer. It was initially funded by a grant from Target and then shouldered by the Friends of the Omaha Public Library and the Omaha Public Library Foundation.

Currently, the free books being put in the hands of parents include "Mary had  a Little Lamb" and "Humpty Dumpty." Simple rhymes like these are interesting to the ear and easy to remember. Reading to kids doesn't have to be complicated. It's the language, the tone, the fact that someone who loves them cares enough to spend time with them, even the seconds or minutes it takes for a little rhyme. Here's another couple rhymes that can be fun for little ones:

"Clap your hands 1, 2, 3. Play a clapping game with me. Now your hands have gone away. (Hide them under a blanket.) Find your hands so you can play."

And here's another for the changing table:

"Zip, zip off it goes. I  see you without clothes. Zip, zip what do I see? Diaper on 1, 2, 3."

It's both terrifying and exhilarating to know that as a parent I am my child's first teacher. I also know my children won't always listen to me — no matter how extraordinary they may be. That's why it's so much fun to talk to my 9-month-old now. (She has no choice but to listen.) And why I am eternally gratefully for my library card — my free access to a building full of knowledge that can help me, and them, learn more.